Ms Julie Sinnamon:

On outsourcing, how it relates and whether or not the implementation group has a view on it, there is currently an ongoing piece of work on the appropriate strategy for civilianisation of some of the roles. The Deputy mentioned the recruitment side. In the Naval Service a tender has been completed to bring in outsourcing of the recruiting to support the recruitment campaigns. The key thing is when that strategy is complete on what roles are appropriate and what should be the appropriate approach on civilianisation, that it will be brought to the Tánaiste and we will consider further at that stage. One of the things the IOG has been cognisant of is whether there are people doing roles that could be freed up via outsourcing to allow more time for defence work. There are benefits in it. It is not a free-for-all but bringing in some outsourcing for some roles where there is specialist expertise can free up Defence Forces personnel to do other roles.

On the Reserve numbers, the target that has been set is for 4,500. That is the target level that is seen to be optimum. It is hoped 80% of that target will be achieved by 2028. There are 230 new recruits this year and a target to increase the recruitment 20% per annum. The target we are working towards is 3,600 by the end of 2028.